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MotoGP: High-flying Folger out to build on Argentina

Published:
18 April 2017

High-flying MotoGP rookie Jonas Folger says he’s out to build on his strong performance at the Argentinian Grand Prix as the 2017 MotoGP series moves to the third round of the championship at Texas’ Circuit of the Americas.

The German now lies an impressive sixth in the championship standings after coming home sixth at Termas de Rio Hondo two weeks ago – but says that every day is still a learning day on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 bike.

"I am excited for the next round in America, especially after the Argentina GP, where we had such a good weekend. We learnt a lot there, but the area that I improved the most in was myself, plus we made some really solid steps forward with regards to the start of a GP.

“So, I will take all the positives from there to Texas and I’m certain that we can make some more progress and seize a high point scoring finish, just like we did at the last round. I really like the COTA circuit and its physically demanding nature, and after the good result at the last event, I have a high level of optimism. I feel confident on the bike and we are all keen to get going, so I am very excited about riding my Yamaha at this awesome track."

His views were echoed by fellow rookie and teammate Johann Zarco on the other side of the garage, who admits that the nature of the track means that there’ll be no room for error all weekend for them.

"The Circuit of the Americas is impressive and I am confident that I can seal a good result there with my Yamaha. The layout is demanding because there are twenty corners and it’s certainly physical. However, I have a good record in Texas and I have finished on the podium twice in the past two years in Moto2.

“At the moment, my feeling on the YZR-M1 bike is great and after the 5th place finish in Argentina, I want to stay on this level. Yet, when we start, I will stay relaxed and I will work with the team and on myself because, at this venue, it’s vital to understand the direction that we need to head towards as there are so many corners.

“If you make one small mistake, it takes almost half a lap to recover, so therefore, it’s more important to work on the rider and to find the perfect line on the asphalt, rather than focusing too much on finding the ideal setup. Nevertheless, I am keen to race in America, and I will go there with a high level of motivation because, at the moment, my feeling is wonderful.